Definition
TPS is a collaborative strategy where students work in pairs to solve a question or problem about an assigned reading or book. Students must first think about what they know about the prompted question individually. The students then pair with other students. The students then share their thinking with their partner, then share with the whole class.
History
This strategy was first proposed by Frank Lyman of University of Maryland in 1981. https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/how-think-pair-share-activity-can-improve-your-classroom-discussions1704.html
Links to Lesson Plans
How to
Have students think about their response to a question, pair up with a classmate, discuss their response with their classmate and then share it with the whole class
Why Use
Helps improves students comprehension. It also helps students become active participants in learning. It helps student think independently about a topic to answer or think about a question along with sharing ideas with others while building communication skills.
Criticism
Need to be sensistive to learners needs when creating pairs.